Vhamusanda Ramabulana

Vhamusanda Vho-Mavhungu Ramabulana (51) of Madabani village passed away at his home last Thursday, after a short illness. He was the chairperson of the Sinthumule Territorial Council.

Khosi Vho-Rudzani Sinthumule of the Sinthumule area says Ramabulana was a man of vision. "We will always remember him for his hard work, commitment and dedication," he said."Most of the development that occurred during the time of the Sinthumule era was his ideas. We have lost a charismatic, disciplined and enthusiastic leader," he said.

Thovhele Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana expressed his condolences to the Ramabulana family. Mphephu said Vhamusanda Ramabulana had served the area with diligence. "He will be remembered for his hard work," said Mphephu.

He added that the late Vhamusanda had contributed a great deal to the shaping of the local Sinthumule territorial council. "He was a selfless visionary and dedicated leader of people.

The spokesperson for the family, Vho- Makhado Sinthumule, said the family was saddened by the chief's death.

Vhamusanda Ramabulana worked at the former Jan Smuts Airport before his installation as chief in 1987.

The funeral ceremony will begin at 06:00 at the chief‘s house at Madabani tomorrow. He will be buried in the Ravele royal graveyard.

Chief Ramabulana is survived by five wives and 15 children.

Vhamusanda Kutama

Vhamusanda-Vho-Fhatuwani Mashudu Kutama (47) of Midoroni village in Kutama passed away in the provincial hospital in Polokwane last Wednesday, a day before Chief Ramabulana of the neighbouring village of Madabani.

The chairperson of the Kutama Territorial Council and spokesperson of the family, Vhamusanda-Vho-Ntanganedzeni Kutama, who had worked very closely with the chief, said it was a huge shock for them to lose such a hard worker. His death came at a time when he still had a huge role to play in the development of the area. "He was such an experienced traditional leader and we expected him to assist in training the new chiefs," he added.

“Mashudu was one of our chiefs who understood the way in which traditional leaders functioned. He had vast experience and people learned a lot from him. His death is a loss to both the family and the Kutama community."

Thovhele Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana said Kutama's death came as a huge shock to him. "He still had a lot to do, both for the community and royal family," he said, adding that it would be very difficult to replace him.

The late Chief Kutama worked at PG Glass before he started his own company, 777 Glass Company. He is survived by his mother, wife and children.

His funeral service will take place this afternoon at 16:00 at his house. He will be buried at Tshiendeulu Tshavhakololo.